Technical Field
The present invention relates to an aqueous agent containing
israpafant. More particularly, the present invention relates to an
aqueous solution obtained by dissolving israpafant in water at a high
concentration and a suspension obtained by dispersing israpafant
stably in water. These aqueous agents are utilized as an eye drop or
nasal drop particularly effective for allergic conjunctivitis,
allergic rhinitis and the like.
Background Art
4-(2-Chlorophenyl)-2-[2-(4-isobutylphenyl)ethyl]-6,9-dimethyl-6H-thieno[3,2-f][1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][1,4]diazepine
(general name israpafant) disclosed in JP-B-5-55510 and having the
formula (I)
is known to show superior antagonistic action against platelet
activating factor (PAF). Therefore, it is considered to be extremely
useful for many diseases induced by PAF, such as inflammatory diseases,
allergic diseases, anaphylactic shock, septic shock, vascular
diseases such as DIC and the like, cardiac diseases, asthma, pulmonary
edema, adult respiratory diseases, ulcer and the like.
In addition, DE 42 01 147 A1 discloses that a compound having
a PAF antagonistic action and having the formula
is useful for allergic conjunctivitis and further for allergic
rhinitis, and recites some formulation examples of oral suspension
containing this compound.
However, there is no disclosure of an aqueous preparation
obtained by dissolving israpafant in water.
That is, israpafant is crystal or crystalline powder hardly
soluble in water and easily dissolved in organic solvent such as
dimethylformamide, methanol and the like. Nevertheless, the use of
an organic solvent as a carrier of a preparation is inappropriate and,
since in particular, an eye drop, a nasal drop and the like are locally
administered to a site sensitive to irritation, the use of an organic
solvent as a carrier to give an israpafant preparation should be avoided.
As mentioned earlier, israpafant is hardly dissolved in water.
Specifically, its solubility in water at 25°C is less than 0.01 w/v%,
and the solubility in buffer ( pH 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9) is below detection
limit (50 ng/ml) by HPLC, at such low concentration the efficacy of
israpafant cannot be exerted in any way.
While to be mentioned later, when an israpafant suspension was
orally administered to a guinea pig suffering from allergic
conjunctivitis, no effect was observed in the test by the present
inventors.
Therefore, there is a demand for an israpafant preparation which
is effective for allergic conjunctivitis and further for allergic
rhinitis.
Disclosure of the Invention
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide
an aqueous agent containing israpafant, which is particularly
effective against allergic conjunctivitis, allergic rhinitis and the
like.
In particularl, an object of the present invention is to provide
an aqueous preparation obtained by dissolving israpafant at a high
concentration, namely, at a concentration at which its efficacy can
be fully exerted, and a suspension preparation which is less irritative
and which is capable of fully exerting the efficacy of israpafant.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an aqueous
solution of israpafant, which is obtained by dissolving israpafant
at a high concentration, and a method for producing a suspension.
The present inventors have conducted intensive studies in an
attempt to achieve the above-mentioned problems, and found that
israpafant can be dissolved in water at a high concentration in the
presence of a surfactant and that this aqueous solution can be used
as an eye drop and a nasal drop, which resulted in the completion of
the present invention.
The present inventors have further found that administration
of israpafant as an aqueous suspension to a local site of the eye or
nose is effective for allergic conjunctivitis, allergic rhinitis,
vernal conjunctivitis, conjunctival allergy caused by contact lens
(giant papillary conjunctivitis), phlyctenular conjunctivitis,
contact blepharocon junctivitis, Sjögren's syndrome, multiple corneal
infiltration, keratitis disciformis, stromal keratitis, endothelium
keratitis, episcleritis, scleritis, uveitis, retinal vasculitis,
papillary vasulitis, optic neuritis, eosinophilic granuloma,
rejection associated with keratoplastry, eye itching, sneeze, nose
itching, hypersensitivity of the nose, nose vestibule eczema, anterior
rhinitis sicca, nasal obstructioin and the like, and further that,
since israpafant is a compound hardly soluble in water, it can be
prepared into a stable aqueous eye drop or nasal drop suspension, which
is free of agglomeration or caking of suspended particles, which
resulted in the completion of the present invention.
Accordingly, the present invention provides the following.
(1) An aqueous agent containing israpafant, which is expressed by the
formula (I):
(2) The aqueous agent of (1) above, wherein the israpafant (I) has
a concentration of not less than 0.01 w/v%. (3) The aqueous agent of (2) above, wherein the aqueous agent is an
eye drop or nasal drop. (4) The aqueous agent of (3) above, wherein the eye drop or nasal drop
is an aqueous solution containing israpafant (I). (5) The aqueous agent of (4) above, wherein the israpafant (I) has
a concentration of 0.01 - 0.1 w/v%. (6) The aqueous agent of (5) above, further comprising a surfactant. (7) The aqueous agent of (6) above, wherein the surfactant has a
concentration of 0.5 - 10 w/v%. (8) The aqueous agent of (7) above, wherein the surfactant is at least
one member selected from the group consisting of a cationic surfactant,
an anionic surfactant and a nonionic surfactant. (9) The aqueous agent of (3) above, wherein the eye drop or nasal drop
is a suspension containing israpafant (I). (10) The aqueous agent of (9) above, wherein the israpafant has a
concentration of 0.01 - 2 w/v%. (11) The aqueous agent of (10) above, further comprising a suspending
agent. (12) The aqueous agent of (11) above, wherein the suspending agent
is at least one member selected from a surfactant and a water soluble
polymer. (13) The aqueous agent of (12) above, wherein the surfactant has a
concentration of 0.0001 - 0.1 w/v%. (14) The aqueous agent of (13) above, wherein the surfactant is at
least one surfactant selected from a nonionic surfactant and an anionic
surfactant. (15) The aqueous agent of (12) above, wherein the water soluble polymer
has a concentration of 0.00001 - 0.5 w/v%. (16) The aqueous agent of (15) above, wherein the water soluble polymer
is a water soluble cellulose derivative. (17) The aqueous agent of (16) above, wherein the water soluble
cellulose derivative is at least one cellulose derivative selected
from hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose and
methylcellulose. (18) The aqueous agent of (17) above, wherein the agent contains
israpafant (I) in a proportion of 0.1 - 1 w/v% and hydroxypropyl
methylcellulose in the weight ratio to israpafant (I) of 0.001 - 0.01:1. (19) A method for producing an aqueous solution of israpafant,
comprising dissolving israpafant of the formula (I):
in water in the presence of a surfactant. (20) A method for producing a suspension of israpafant, comprising
suspending israpafant of the formula (I):
in water in the presence of a suspending agent.
Israpafant which is used as the active ingredient of the aqueous
agent of the present invention is a compound expressed by the formula
(I)
The concentration of israpafant (I) in the aqueous agent is
appropriately determined, with preference given to not less than 0.01
w/v%. The aqueous agent of the present invention is preferably used
as an eye drop or a nasal drop.
The aqueous israpafant solution of the present invention can
be produced by dissolving israpafant in water in the presence of a
surfactant.
Examples of the surfactant include cationic surfactants,
anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants and the like.
Examples of the cationic surfactant include benzalkonium salt
such as benzalkonium chloride (BAK) and the like.
Examples of the anionic surfactant include sodium
alkylsulfonate such as sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS), sodium
pentanesulfonate, sodium octanesulfonate and the like.
The nonionic surfactant preferably has an HLB of 10 - 18 and
a molecular weight of 500 - 4000, with preference given to ether
nonionic surfactants and ester nonionic surfactants. Examples
thereof include polyoxyethylene sorbitane fatty acid esters such as
polysorbate 80 and the like, polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil
such as polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil 60 (HCO 60) and the
like, polyoxyethylene alkylphenyl formaldehyde condensate such as
tyloxapol and the like, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene block
copolymer such as poloxamer and the like, sucrose fatty acid ester
and the like.
The above-mentioned surfactant can be used alone or in
combination. In particular, since anionic surfactants cause
irritation to the eye, when an aqueous solution containing an anionic
surfactant is used as an eye drop, a nonionic surfactant is preferably
used concurrently to reduce irritation.
The concentration of israpafant in the aqueous solution is not
less than 0.01 w/v%, preferably 0.01 - 0.1 w/v%. When the
concentration of israpafant is within the above-mentioned range, the
local administration of an eye drop, a nasal drop and the like leads
to exhibition of useful efficacy and preparation of an aqueous solution
causing less irritation.
When dissolving israpafant in water in the above-mentioned range,
the surfactant is preferably contained in 0.5 - 10 w/v% of the aqueous
solution, more preferably 0.5 - 4 w/v%.
The proportion of the surfactant relative to israpafant is
preferably 30 - 80 parts by weight, more preferably 45 - 60 parts by
weight, of a cationic surfactant, 3 - 10 parts by weight, more
preferably 4 - 7 parts by weight, of an anionic surfactant, and 50
- 200 parts by weight, more preferably 70 - 160 parts by weight, of
a nonionic surfactant, per part by weight of israpafant.
Examples of the suspending agent to be used when preparing
israpafant into an aqueous suspension in the present invention include
a nonionic surfactant, an anionic surfactant, a water soluble polymer
and the like, which can be used alone or in combination.
The nonionic surfactant preferably has an HLB of 10 - 18 and
a molecular weight of 500 - 4000, with preference given to an ether
type nonionic surfactant and an ester type nonionic surfactant.
Specific examples include polyoxyethylene sorbitane fatty acid
esters such as polysorbate 80 and the like, polyoxyethylene
hydrogenated castor oil such as polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor
oil 60 (HCO 60) and the like, polyoxyethylene alkylphenyl formaldehyde
condensate such as tyloxapol and the like, polyoxyethylene
polyoxypropylene block copolymer such as poloxamer and the like,
sucrose fatty acid ester and the like. In addition, an anionic
surfactant such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SDS) and the like can be
used.
Preferable examples of the water soluble polymer include water
soluble cellulose derivatives such as hydroxypropylmethylcellulose
(HPMC), carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), methylcellulose (MC) and the
like, carboxyvinyl polymer, macrogol, sodium chondroitin sulfate,
polyvinylpyrrolidone such as polyvinylpyrrolidone K25 (PVP K25),
polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 (PVP K30), polyvinylpyrrolidone K90 (PVP
K90) and the like, polyvinyl alcohol and the like.
The concentration of israpafant in a suspension is generally
0.01 - 2 w/v%, preferably 0.1 - 1 w/v%. When the concentration of
israpafant is within the above-mentioned range, useful efficacy for
local administration can be exerted and a stable suspension can be
prepared.
The suspending agent is contained in a proportion of 0.00001
- 0.5 w/v% in a suspension. The surfactant and water soluble polymer
to be used as suspending agents can be used alone or in combination.
The concentration of each ingredient of the suspending agent
is preferably 0.0001 - 0.1 w/v%, more preferably 0.001 - 0.1 w/v% and
most preferably 0.005 - 0.1 w/v% in the case of a surfactant, and
preferably 0.00001 - 0.5 w/v%, more preferably 0.0001 - 0.1 w/v% in
the case of a water soluble polymer.
The proportion of israpafant and the surfactant is preferably
0.01 - 1 part by weight of a surfactant per part by weight of israpafant.
The proportion of israpafant and the water soluble polymer is
preferably 0.0001 - 1 part by weight, more preferably 0.0005 - 0.1
part by weight, and most preferably 0.001 - 0.01 part by weight, of
a water soluble polymer per part by weight of israpafant. Particularly,
when HPMC is used, a weight ratio of 0.001 - 0.01 parts by weight per
part by weight of israpafant is preferable. When the concentration
of the suspending agent is within the above-mentioned range, a stable
suspension having fine dispersibility can be prepared.
The aqueous agent of the present invention can contain, where
necessary, other anti-allergic agents, such as histamine release
inhibitor, histamine receptor antagonist, leukotriene release
inhibitor, leukotriene receptor antagonist, PAF release inhibitor,
PAF receptor antagonist, IgE antibody production inhibitor, cytokine
release inhibitor, cytokine receptor inhibitor and the like.
When the aqueous agent of the present invention is used as an
eye drop or nasal drop, known additives typically used for an eye drop
or a nasal drop can be used. Examples of such additive include
isotonizing agent, buffer, chelating agent, preservative and the like.
Examples of isotonicity agent include inorganic salt such as
sodium chloride, boric acid, potassium chloride and the like, and
polyhydric alcohol such as glycerol, mannitol, sorbitol and the like.
The buffer may be, for example, borate buffer, phosphate buffer,
acetate buffer, citrate buffer, Tris buffer, amino acid such as
glutamine and ε-aminocapronic acid, and the like.
Examples of chelating agent include disodium edetate, citric
acid and the like. Examples of preservative include quaternary
ammonium salt such as benzalkonium chloride, benzetonium chloride and
the like, p-aminobenzoate such as methyl p-aminobenzoate, ethyl
p-aminobenzoate, propyl p-aminobenzoate, butyl p-aminobenzoate and
the like, sorbic acid, chlorobutanol, disodium edetate, boric acid
and the like.
The amounts of these additives are subject to no particular
limitation, but an isotonicity agent is generally added in 0.5 - 6.5
w/v% of the aqueous agent, a buffer is generally added in 0.01 - 2
w/v% of the aqueous agent, a chelating agent is generally added in
0.001 - 1 w/v% of the aqueous agent, and a preservative is generally
added in 0.001 - 2 w/v% of the aqueous agent.
The method for preparing an aqueous solution is subject to no
particular limitation, and an aqueous solution can be obtained by
various known methods. For example, a buffer, an isotonicity agent,
a preservative and the like are added to sterile purified water for
dissolution. Thereto are added a surfactant and then israpafant, and
they are dissolved, where necessary, the solution may be heated to
about 70°C. After cooling, a pH adjusting agent (hydrochloric acid,
sodium hydroxide and the like) is added to adjust the pH to a desired
value.
Alternatively, israpafant may be dissolved in a 0.5 - 10 w/v%
cationic surfactant or anionic surfactant, and a buffer, an
isotonizing agent, a preservative and the like are added and dissolved,
whereafter the mixture is lyophilized, which lyophilization product
is dissolved when in use in an injectable distilled water and the like,
or israpafant, a buffer, an isotonicity agent, a preservative and the
like are mixed in a mortar and the like, sealed in a vial and the like
and dissolved when in use in a liquid for dissolution containing a
surfactant.
The method for preparing a dispersion is not particularly
limited and can be a method conventionally known. For example, a
suspending agent, a buffer, an isotonicity agent and a preservative
are added to sterile purified water and dissolved, during which the
mixture may be heated. To this solution is added israpafant, which
is uniformly suspended in various homogenizers, mixers, mills or by
ultrasonication. Then, pH is adjusted using a pH adjusting agent
(hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide and the like) to give an aqueous
dispersion.
When the aqueous agent of the present invention thus prepared
is used as an eye drop or nasal drop for the treatment of, for example,
allergic conjunctivitis, allergic rhinitis, vernal conjunctivitis,
conjunctival allergy caused by contact lens (giant papillary
conjunctivitis), phlyctenular conjunctivitis, contact
blepharocon junctivitis, Sjögren's syndrome, multiple corneal
infiltration, keratitis disciformis, stromal keratitis, endothelium
keratitis, episcleritis, scleritis, uveitis, retinal vasculitis,
papillary vasulitis, optic neuritis, eosinophilic granuloma,
rejection associated with keratoplastry, eye itching, sneeze, nose
itching, hypersensitivity of the nose, nose vestibule eczema, anterior
rhinitis sicca, nasal obstruction and the like, it is preferably
administered 2 - 6 times a day by 20 - 50 µl per dose.
It is also possible to concurrently use the inventive agent with
other anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory and/or anti-bacterial eye drop,
nasal drop and the like.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Fig. 1 is a photograph (biological morphology) showing the
standard for grouping of guinea pigs for the evaluation of suppressive
effect (early phase reaction) against promotion of conjunctival
vascular permeability in Experimental Example 2; Fig. 2 shows
conjunctival dye-leakage at 30 minutes after the second challenge for
the evaluation of suppressive effect against promotion of conjunctival
vascular permeability in Experimental Example 2; Fig. 3 shows scores
of conjunctivitis at 20 minutes after the second challenge for the
evaluation of suppressive effect against immediate allergic
conjunctivitis in Experimental Example 2; and Fig. 4 shows number of
conjunctival eosinophil infiltration at 6 hours after the second
challenge for the evaluation of suppressive effect against
conjunctival eosinophil infiltration in Experimental Example 2.
Best Mode of Embodying the Invention
The present invention is explained in detail in the following
by way of Examples and Experimental Examples, to which the present
invention is not limited.
The dissolution test of israpafant is shown in the following.
Experimental Example 1
Israpafant (manufactured by Yoshitomi Pharmaceutical
Industries, Ltd.) was suspended in 0.1% acetate buffer ( pH 4, 5, 6),
phosphate buffer (pH 6, 7, 8) and borate buffer (pH 8, 9) in a
concentration of 0.1% (w/v%, hereinafter the same). Each suspension
was filled in a glass ampoule by 5 ml and shaken at 25°C overnight (ca.
15 hours). After passing through a 0.45 µm membrane filter, the
solubility of israpafant was measured by HPLC.
In 0.1% phosphate buffer (pH 7) were dissolved the additives
shown in Table 2 in a proportion of 0.5% (0.5% and 4% in the sole case
of polysorbate). In the same manner as above, israpafant was suspended
and dissolved, after which the solubility of israpafant was measured
by HPLC.
Quantitative Determination of israpafant - by HPLC
HPLC conditions
column: YMC AM-302 (4.6×150 mm)
mobile phase: acetonitrile:0.1M ammonium acetate-87:13
detection: UV 244 nm
column temperature:35°C
flow rate: 0.7 ml/min
internal standard:1,3,5-triphenylbenzene
The solubility of the above-mentioned israpafant in each buffer
is shown in Table 1, and the solubility in an aqueous solution
containing various additives is shown in Table 2.
| buffer | pH of buffer | solubility (µg/ml) |
| acetate buffer | pH | 4 | 0.0 |
| acetate buffer | pH | 5 | 0.0 |
| acetate buffer | pH | 6 | 0.0 |
| phosphate buffer | pH | 6 | 0.0 |
| phosphate buffer | pH 7 | 0.0 |
| phosphate buffer | pH | 8 | 0.0 |
| borate buffer | pH | 8 | 0.0 |
| borate buffer | pH 9 | 0.0 |
| additive | solubility (µg/ml) |
| surfactant |
| polysorbate |
| 80 | 66.9 |
| polysorbate 80 (4% aq. solution) | 581.1 |
| HCO60 | 47.3 |
| BAK | 99.0 |
| SDS | 1057.0 |
| Tyloxapol | 29.5 |
| water soluble polymer |
| HPMC | 0.6 |
| PVP(K30) | 0.0 |
| PVA(EG40) | 0.4 |
| CMC Na | 0.0 |
| chondroitin sulfate | 0.0 |
| PEG-1000 | 0.0 |
| PEG-4000 | 0.0 |
| cyclodextrin |
| α-CD | 0.0 |
| β-CD | 0.0 |
| γ-CD | 0.0 |
| 2HP-β-CD | 0.0 |
| Others |
| caffeine | 0.0 |
| propylene glycol | 0.0 |
| 2-pyrrolidone | 0.0 |
Each symbol in Table 2 is as follows.
HCO60:polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil 60 BAK:benzalkonium chloride SDS:sodium dodecylsulfate HPMC:hydroxypropylmethylcellulose PVP:polyvinylpyrrolidone PVA:polyvinyl alcohol CMC Na:sodium carboxymethylcellulose PEG:polyethylene glycol CD:cyclodextrin
The solubility of israpafant in each buffer was below detection
limit (50 ng/ml) by HPLC. Israpafant did not dissolve in an aqueous
solution containing a water soluble polymer or cyclodextrin. However,
it dissolved well in an aqueous surfactant solution. Particularly,
israpafant dissolved extremely well in a 4% aqueous polysorbate
solution and a 0.5% aqueous sodium dodecylsulfate solution.
The effect of the eye drop of the present invention against
allergic conjunctivitis, which is an ocular inflammation, is shown
in the following.
Experimental Example 2
1. Object
The suppressive effect of israpafant against guinea pig active
sensitization allergic conjunctivitis was studied.
In allergic conjunctivitis, an early phase reaction that occurs
10 - 20 minutes after antigen challenge and late phase reaction that
occurs 4-10 hours later have been clinically confirmed. In the former,
histamine, leukotriene, PAF and the like liberated from mast cells
are involved and conjunctivitis signs of itching, chemosis, injection
and tearing are observed. In the latter, chemical mediators such as
histamine, leukotriene, PAF and the like, and cytokine such as
interleukin 3, interleukin 5 and the like are also involved, wherein
edema and foreign body sensation are observed. It is said that
eosinophils and lymphocytes infiltrate into conjunctiva and cause
epithelial disorders at cornea and conjunctiva due to injurious
proteins in eosinophil granules.
For investigation of usefulness of israpafant against allergic
conjunctivitis, its suppressive effect against allergic
conjunctivitis by guinea pig active sensitization was studied.
In this model with regard to the early phase reaction, promotion
of conjunctival vascular permeability and signs of conjunctivitis were
the index of evaluation, and for the late phase reaction, eosinophil
infiltration into conjunctiva was the index of evaluation.
2. Animals used
Male Hartley guinea pigs weighing about 300 g purchased from
Japan SLC. Ltd. were used. These animals had free access to a solid
feed (γ ray irradiated feed LRC4, ORIENTAL YEAST CO., LTD.) and tap
water, and were bred in a breeding chamber set to a temperature 23
±2°C and humidity 55±15%.
3. Test drug
Israpafant (manufactured by Yoshitomi Pharmaceutical
Industries, Ltd.) was suspended in a vehicle (pH 5) shown below at
a concentration of 1% to give an eye drop suspension. In addition,
a suspension of israpafant in 0.5% CMC at 10 mg/ml was prepared for
oral administration. As a control, physiological saline was used.
| Polysorbate 80 | 0.1 g |
| sodium dihydrogenphosphate·2H2O | 0.1 g |
| sodium chloride | 0.9 g |
| distilled water | 100 ml in total |
4. Test method
1) Suppressive effect (early phase reaction) against promotion of
conjunctival vascular permeability
Guinea pigs were sensitized with a dispersion of 10 µg ovalbumin
(OA) and 30 mg aluminum hydroxide gel by peritoneal administration.
At 14 days after the sensitization, a 2.5% OA antigen solution was
instilled into the both eyes by 10 µl to induce allergic conjunctivitis
(first challenge). At 20 minutes after the last challenge,
conjunctivitis signs were observed and the animals were grouped in
such a manner that the severity of the condition was equalized from
the degrees of chemosis, conjunctival injection and tearing.
The evaluation of a drug included the following steps. At 24
hours from the first challenge, 10 mg/kg Evans' blue was intravenously
administered, and a 2.5% OA antigen solution was instilled into the
both eyes by 10 µl to again induce conjunctivitis (the second challenge).
Thirty minutes later, conjunctival dye-leakage part was excised, the
parts of the both eyes were combined and the amount of the leaked dye
was measured. The drug was instilled into the both eyes by 10 µl at
3, 2, 1 hour before the second challenge in the case of administration
by instillation. In the case of an oral administration, 10 mg/kg was
administered once at 1 hour before the second challenge. For
suppression of histamine reaction, 1 mg/kg of mepyramine was
intravenously administered one minute before.
2) Suppressive effect (early phase reaction) against immediate
allergic conjunctivitis signs
In the same manner as in 1), sensitization and induction by the
first challenge and the second challenge were performed. Twenty
minutes later, conjunctivitis signs were observed, and chemosis was
scored 0 - 6 points [see Fig. 1, A:0, B:2 (weak), C:4 (moderate), D:6
(strong)], conjunctival injection was scored 0 - 4 points (0: no
injection, 1: very mild injection in the eye lid or bulbar conjunctiva,
2: mild injection in the eye lid or bulbar conjunctiva, 3: strong
injection in the eye lid or bulbar conjunctiva, 4: strong injection
in a wide area of the eye lid and bulbar conjunctiva), and tearing
was scored 0 - 4 points (0: no tearing, 1: extremely small amount of
tearing, 2: tearing, 3: a small amount of secretion, 4: a large amount
of secretion), wherein evaluation followed the total scores. The drug
was administered by instillation (10 µl) into one eye at 2, 4, 8 hours
after the first challenge and 3, 2, 1 hour before the second challenge.
3) Suppressive effect (early phase reaction) against eosinophil
infiltration into conjunctiva
In the same manner as in 1), sensitization and induction by first
challenge and second challenge were performed.
The drug was evaluated by removing the eye ball at 6 hours after
the second challenge, preparing an optical microscopic specimen
according to a conventional method, staining eosinophils by Luna
staining, and counting and averaging the number of eosinophils
infiltrated into conjunctiva with regard to each of 6 visible areas
(one visible area being 0.04 mm2) of the vicinity of conjunctival
lymphoid tissue. The drug was administered in the same manner as in
1).
test group
physiological saline (control group)
1.0% israpafant (instillation group)
10 mg/kg israpafant p.o. (oral group)
1 mg/kg mepyramine i.v. (intravenous injection group)
1.0% israpafant + 1 mg/kg mepyramine i.v. (concurrent instillation
group)
10 mg/kg israpafant p.o.+1 mg/kg mepyramine i.v. (concurrent
instillation group)
5. Results and discussion
1) Suppressive effect (early phase reaction) against promotion of
conjunctival vascular permeability
Conjunctival dye-leakage at 30 minutes after the second
challenge is shown in Fig. 2. In Fig. 2, each column shows mean±
standard error (n=7 - 8). Significant difference from control group
at *;p<0.05, **;p<0.01 (Dunnett's test). Significant difference from
mepyramine group at #;p<0.05 (Student's test).
The dye-leakage (µg/two eye balls) of the control group
instilled with physiological saline was 34.5 µg but that of the
israpafant instillation group and oral administration group was 24.7
µg and 25.3 µg, respectively. Thus, they did not show a significant
suppressive effect. The dye-leakage of the mepyramine administration
group was 17.5 µg, thus showing significant suppression of promotion
of vascular permeability. In contrast, concurrent instillation group
and oral concurrent group showed less (11.0 µg and 10.1 µg,
respectively) dye-leakage than the single administration group, thus
significantly suppressing promotion of vascular permeability.
From the above results, it was suggested that israpafant was
useful against early phase reaction when used concurrently with an
antihistamic agent, because PAF is involved in the early phase reaction
of allergic conjunctivitis.
2) Suppressive effect (early phase reaction) against immediate
allergic conjunctivitis signs
The total score of conjunctivitis signs at 20 minutes after the
second challenge is shown in Fig. 3. In Fig. 3, each column means mean
±standard error (n=8). Significant difference from control group at
*;p<0.05 (Wilcoxon test).
When compared to the total score of the physiological saline
instilled control group, 1% israpafant instillation group showed
significant decrease in the total score.
From the above results, it was suggested that israpafant
alleviated the conjunctivitis signs of immediate type allergy.
3) Suppressive effect (late phase reaction) against eosinophil
infiltration into conjunctiva
The conjunctival eosinophil infiltration count at 6 hours after
the second challenge is shown in Fig. 4. In Fig. 4, each column means
mean±standard error (n=16). Significant difference from control
group at *; p<0.05 (Dunnett's test).
The eosinophil infiltration count (cell/0.04 mm2) of the control
group was 95.3, but it was 71.8 in the israpafant instillation group,
showing significant suppression of eosinophil infiltration. In
contrast, the oral group showed no suppressive effect. In addition,
the mepyramine group, the concurrent instillation group and concurrent
oral administration group showed suppressive effect, but the effect
of each group was almost the same, and no effect from the concurrent
use of israpafant was found.
From the above results, it was suggested that israpafant was
useful against late phase reaction in view of significant suppression
of eosinophil infiltration by single instillation. However, no effect
was found by oral administration.
Experimental Example 3
1. Object
The effect was studied when used as an eye drop of israpafant
against rat PAF conjunctivitis.
2. Animal used
Male Wistar rats weighing about 130 g purchased from Clea Japan,
Inc. were used. They were bred at temperature 23±2°C and humidity
55±15%.
3. Test drug
Israpafant was suspended at 0.03, 0.1, 0.3 and 1.0%.
Physiological saline was used for the control group.
The formulation of the vehicle for an israpafant eye drop was
as shown below, wherein the pH of the eye drop at each concentration
was 7.0.
| sodium dihydrogenphosphate·2H2O | 0.1 g |
| sodium chloride | 0.9 g |
| polysorbate |
| 80 | 0.1 g |
| distilled water | 100 ml in total |
4. Test method
PAF diluted to 4 µg/ml was administered to the upper
subconjunctiva of the rat by 25 µl and at the same time, 0.5% Evans'
blue (0.5 ml) was intravenously administered. Thirty minutes later,
the dye-leakage part of the conjunctiva was excised and the dye was
extracted with formamide, after which absorbance (625 nm) was measured.
The test drug was administered by instillation (5 µl) to the eye at
1, 2 hours before subconjunctival induction of PAF.
5. Results and Discussion
The dye-leakage of each group is shown in Table 3.
| drug | concentration (%) | dose (µg) | n | amount of dye leakage (µg/site) | inhibition (%) |
| physiological saline | - | - | 8 | 40.03±2.57 | - |
| israpafant | 0.03 | 3 | 8 | 32.29±3.31 | 19.1 |
| 0.1 | 10 | 8 | 28.17±1.42* | 29.6 |
| 0.3 | 30 | 7 | 23.37±2.56* | 41.6 |
| 1.0 | 100 | 7 | 18.74±2.20* | 53.2 |
Each value represents the mean±standard error.
Significant difference from physiological saline at *;p<0.01
(Dunnett's test). |
The dye-leakage of the control group was 40.0 µg/site but
israpafant showed a concentration-dependent suppressive effect,
wherein the suppressive percentage at 0.03% - 1.0% concentration was
19.1%, 29.6%, 41.6% and 53.2%, showing significant difference at a
concentration of 0.1% or greater. From the above results, israpafant
showed a concentration-dependent suppressive effect against promotion
of vascular permeability at conjunctival local site by PAF,
demonstrating good penetration into a tissue of the present
preparation.
Experimental Example 4
1. Object
The stability of israpafant suspension was studied.
2. Drug and reagent
Polysorbate 80 used met the standard of the Japan Pharmacopoeia.
3. Test method
The following israpafant suspension formulation was prepared.
Polysorbate 80 was used as the suspending agent, phosphate buffer (pH
7) was used as the buffer, and sodium chloride was used as the
isotonizing agent. The suspension was filled in glass ampoules by 5
ml and stored at 25, 40 and 60°C. The suspension was sampled with time
(3 days later, one week later, 2 weeks later) and israpafant content
was quantitatively determined by HPLC.
| israpafant | 0.1 g |
| polysorbate |
| 80 | 0.1 g |
| sodium dihydrogenphosphate·2H2O | 0.1 g |
| sodium chloride | 0.9 g |
| distilled water | 100 ml in total |
Quantitative Determination of israpafant - by HPLC
HPLC conditions
column: YMCAM-302 (4.6×150 mm)
mobile phase: acetonitrile:0.1M ammonium acetate=87:13
detection: UV 244 nm
column temperature:35°C
flow rate: 0.7 ml/min
internal standard:1,3,5-triphenyl benzene
4. Results and Discussion
The results are shown in Table 4.
| temperature (°C) | residual content (%) |
| | initial | 3 days later | 1 week later | 2 weeks later |
| 25 | 100.0 (pH 6.97) | - | - | 101.4 (pH 6.94) |
| 40 | - | - | 99.7 (pH 6.94) |
| 60 | 97.3 (pH 6.96) | 97.3 (pH 6.97) | 100.3 (pH 6.96) |
| 80 | 99.3 (pH 6.97) | - | - |
As is evident from the Table, the 0.1% israpafant suspension
after storage at 60°C for 2 weeks showed an israpafant residual content
of 100.3%. The residual content after storage at 80°C for 3 days was
99.3%, demonstrating the stability of the 0.1% israpafant dispersion.
Example 1 (Formulation Example of eye drop)
Using the following ingredients, sodium dodecylsulfate,
polysorbate 80, sodium dihydrogenphosphate dihydrate, boric acid and
benzalkonium chloride were dissolved in sterile purified water. Using
a pH adjusting agent, the pH was adjusted to about 7. Israpafant was
added and the mixture was heated to about 70°C to allow dissolution.
After cooling, the pH adjusting agent was used again to adjust the
pH 7 to give an eye drop.
| israpafant | 0.1 g |
| sodium dodecylsulfate | 0.65 g |
| polysorbate |
| 80 | 3.25 g |
| sodium dihydrogenphosphate dihydrate | 0.1 g |
| boric acid | 1.6 g |
| benzalkonium chloride | 0.005 g |
| sodium hydroxide | q.s. |
| sterile purified water | amount to make the total amount 100 ml |
| pH | 7.0 |
Example 2 (Formulation Example of nasal drop)
Using the following ingredients and in the same manner as in
Example 1, a nasal drop was obtained.
| israpafant | 0.05 g |
| polysorbate |
| 80 | 4.0 g |
| sodium dihydrogenphosphate dihydrate | 0.1 g |
| sodium chloride | 0.9 g |
| benzalkonium chloride | 0.01 g |
| sodium hydroxide | q.s. |
| sterile purified water | amount to make the total amount 100 ml |
| pH | 8.0 |
Example 3 (Formulation Example of eye drop)
Using the following ingredients and in the same manner as in
Example 1, an eye drop was obtained.
| israpafant | 0.05 g |
| sodium octanesulfonate | 0.5 g |
| polysorbate |
| 80 | 3.35 g |
| sodium dihydrogenphosphate dihydrate | 0.1 g |
| sodium chloride | 0.9 g |
| benzalkonium chloride | 0.005 g |
| sodium hydroxide | q.s. |
| sterile purified water | amount to make the total amount 100 ml |
| pH | 7.0 |
Example 4 (Formulation Example of eye drop)
Using the following ingredients and in the same manner as in
Example 1, an eye drop was obtained.
| israpafant | 0.05 g |
| sodium pentanesulfonate | 0.5 g |
| polysorbate |
| 80 | 4.15 g |
| sodium dihydrogenphosphate dihydrate | 0.1 g |
| conc. glycerol | 2.6 g |
| benzalkonium chloride | 0.005 g |
| sodium hydroxide | q.s. |
| sterile purified water | amount to make the total amount 100 ml |
| pH | 7.0 |
Example 5 (Formulation Example of eye drop)
Using the following ingredients and in the same manner as in
Example 1, an eye drop was obtained.
| israpafant | 0.1 g |
| SDS | 0.65 g |
| polysorbate |
| 80 | 3.25 g |
| sodium acetate | 0.1 g |
| sodium chloride | 0.9 g |
| methyl p-hydroxybenzoate | 0.026 g |
| propyl p-hydroxybenzoate | 0.014 g |
| hydrochloric acid | q.s. |
| sterile purified water | amount to make the total amount 100 ml |
| pH | 5.0 |
Example 6
| israpafant |
0.1 g |
| polysorbate |
| 80 |
0.1 g |
| monosodium phosphate dihydrate |
0.1 g |
| sodium chloride |
0.9 g |
| benzalkonium chloride |
0.005 g |
| sodium hydroxide |
appropriate amount |
| sterile purified water |
amount to make the total amount 100 ml |
| pH |
7.0 |
Example 7
| israpafant |
1.0 g |
| HPMC |
0.001 g |
| sodium dihydrogenphosphate dihydrate |
0.1 g |
| sodium chloride |
0.9 g |
| benzalkonium chloride |
0.005 g |
| sodium hydroxide |
appropriate amount |
| sterile purified water |
amount to make the total amount 100 ml |
| pH |
7.0 |
Example 8
| israpafant |
0.1 g |
| HCO-60 |
0.1 g |
| sodium dihydrogenphosphate dihydrate |
0.1 g |
| sodium chloride |
0.9 g |
| benzalkonium chloride |
0.005 g |
| sodium hydroxide |
appropriate amount |
| sterile purified water |
amount to make the total amount 100 ml |
| pH |
7.0 |
Example 9
| israpafant |
1.0 g |
| HPMC |
0.01 g |
| sodium dihydrogenphosphate dihydrate |
0.1 g |
| sodium chloride |
0.9 g |
| methyl p-hydroxybenzoate |
0.026 g |
| propyl p-hydroxybenzoate |
0.014 g |
| sodium hydroxide |
appropriate amount |
| sterile purified water |
amount to make the total amount 100 ml |
| pH |
5.0 |
Example 10
| israpafant |
1.0 g |
| HPMC |
0.01 g |
| boric acid |
1.6 g |
| benzalkonium chloride |
0.005 g |
| sodium hydroxide |
appropriate amount |
| sterile purified water |
amount to make the total amount 100 ml |
| pH |
7.0 |
Example 11
| israpafant |
0.1 g |
| tyloxapol |
0.1 g |
| sodium dihydrogenphosphate dihydrate |
0.1 g |
| sodium chloride |
0.9 g |
| benzalkonium chloride |
0.005 g |
| sodium hydroxide |
appropriate amount |
| sterile purified water |
amount to make the total amount 100 ml |
| pH |
7.0 |
Example 12
| israpafant |
0.1 g |
| SDS |
0.001 g |
| sodium dihydrogenphosphate dihydrate |
0.1 g |
| boric acid |
1.6 g |
| benzalkonium chloride |
0.005 g |
| sodium hydroxide |
appropriate amount |
| sterile purified water |
amount to make the total amount 100 ml |
| pH |
7.0 |
Example 13
| israpafant |
1.0 g |
| methylcellulose |
0.001 g |
| sodium dihydrogenphosphate dihydrate |
0.1 g |
| sodium chloride |
0.9 g |
| benzalkonium chloride |
0.005 g |
| sodium hydroxide |
appropriate amount |
| sterile purified water |
amount to make the total amount 100 ml |
| pH |
7.0 |
Example 14
| israpafant |
0.1 g |
| methylcellulose |
0.1 g |
| sodium acetate |
0.1 g |
| conc. glycerol |
2.6 g |
| methyl p-hydroxybenzoate |
0.026 g |
| propyl p-hydroxybenzoate |
0.014 g |
| chlorobutanol |
0.2 g |
| sodium hydroxide |
appropriate amount |
| sterile purified water |
amount to make the total amount 100 ml |
| pH |
5.0 |
Example 15
| israpafant |
0.1 g |
| sucrose fatty acid ester |
0.05 g |
| sodium dihydrogenphosphate dihydrate |
0.1 g |
| sodium chloride |
0.9 g |
| benzalkonium chloride |
0.005 g |
| sodium hydroxide |
appropriate amount |
| sterile purified water |
amount to make the total amount 100 ml |
| pH |
7.0 |
Example 16
| israpafant |
0.1 g |
| polysorbate |
| 80 |
0.005 g |
| PVP K30 |
0.2 g |
| sodium dihydrogenphosphate dihydrate |
0.1 g |
| sodium chloride |
0.9 g |
| benzalkonium chloride |
0.005 g |
| sodium hydroxide |
appropriate amount |
| sterile purified water |
amount to make the total amount 100 ml |
| pH |
7.0 |
Example 17
| israpafant |
1.0 g |
| HPMC(2910) |
0.004 g |
| sodium dihydrogenphosphate dihydrate |
0.1 g |
| sodium chloride |
0.9 g |
| benzalkonium chloride |
0.005 g |
| sodium hydroxide |
appropriate amount |
| sterile purified water |
amount to make the total amount 100 ml |
| pH |
7.0 |
Industrial Applicability
The aqueous agent of the present invention shows superior
therapeutic effect when locally administered as an eye drop or a nasal
drop for allergic conjunctivitis, allergic rhinitis, venal
conjunctivitis, conjunctival allergy caused by contact lens (giant
papillary conjunctivitis), phlyctenular conjunctivitis, contact
blepharoconjunctivitis, Sjögren's syndrome, multiple corneal
infiltration, keratitis disciformis, stromal keratitis, endothelium
keratitis, episcleritis, scleritis, uveitis, retinal vasculitis,
papillary vasulitis, optic neuritis, eosinophilic granuloma,
rejection associated with keratoplastry, eye itching, sneeze, nose
itching, hypersensitivity of the nose, nose vestibule eczema, anterior
rhinitis sicca, nasal obstruction and the like.
This application is based on patent application Nos. 137061/1997
and 154474/1997 filed in Japan, the contents of which are hereby
incorporated by reference.